It's not yet clear if Abdul Razzaq has landed an IPL contract but that has evoked a mixed response from former players.

While former skippers Rameez Raja and Aamir Sohail feel that Razzaq should move forward and play in the Indian Premier League, batting stalwart Zaheer Abbas dismissed the offer as a gimmick.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, one of the 11 Pakistani players who were ignored in the January 19 IPL auction in Mumbai, came up with a guarded response.

"It's now up to Razzaq to decide now. We are deeply hurt whatever happened during the auction. We did not expect this from India," Kaneria told PTI from Karachi.

The leg-spinner, however, made it clear that he was open to playing in IPL in future provided the Pakistan Cricket Board and the government here clear his passage.

"All the players wanted to play in the third edition of IPL. In future if I get any such offer, I would first seek permission from the PCB and the government. If they give a go-ahead, why not?" he said.

Even though Razzaq is claiming to have received an offer from Deccan Chargers and is also reportedly in touch with Kolkata Knight Riders, Zaheer Abbas doubted the authenticity of the offer.

"This is just a formality. They wanted to show the world that they have picked a Pakistan player. They have chosen a player whose place is not guaranteed even in the national team.

"They could have chosen a deserving player. Anyways I don't believe in any such proposal until IPL issues a statement," Abbas said.

Cricketer-turned-commentator Rameez Raja, however, favoured Razzaq's participation in the IPL.

"Pakistani cricketers have raised an issue and gained sympathy all over the world. Now they have two options -- to snub the IPL or move ahead forgetting the (auction) episode.

"First option will hurt them professionally and in monetary terms. I think cricketers should concentrate on playing and there is no need to drag them into politics," he said.

"Whatever happened is disgusting. The elimination could have been in dignified manner. People of Pakistan are angry and Razzaq has to take them in confidence first," he said.

Former opener Aamir Sohail said the offer was a step forward in dousing the fire.

"It was sad the way our cricketers were excluded. But in the same way it is nice to know that Razzaq has been offered a contract. It's a beginning as you have to start from somewhere," he said.

Spotted with your favourite sportstar? Share your images with your sporting heroes on fanspeak@espnstar.co.in and we will put them up on the site. Here is your chance to mark your presence.